As previously threatened, the Senate Commerce Committee Thursday passed a rarely used resolution of disapproval in an attempt to strike down FCC rules that would ease restrictions on newspaper-broadcast cross-ownership.

But the panel’s unanimous vote could end up being more symbolic than substantive. The measure still needs approval of the Senate, plus approval in the House, plus a signature from President George W. Bush, who would likely veto the bill.

“Today’s action by the Commerce Committee was a step in the right direction,” said Sen. Byron L. Dorgan, D-N.D. “Now I look forward to working closely with the Senators Reid and McConnell to get this placed onto the Senate schedule so we can pass this legislation and take a stand for more local ownership of newspapers and broadcast companies.”

FCC Chairman Kevin J. Martin has said that the December order would merely loosen the restrictions on cross-ownership, while his critics maintained that the order had enough loopholes to spark a major wave of consolidation.
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